It’s been 25 years since on-screen siblings Reese Witherspoon and Tobey Maguire were transported from the 1990s to the seemingly perfect world of the 1950s via television. Pleasant Village, Debuted on October 23, 1998.
“I think we look at that period in the 1950s and say they were all so innocent and naive, but really it was more about ignorance and not looking at reality and not wanting to confront what was actually going on with racism and discrimination,” Witherspoon said. Interview with Screen Slam. “It’s about finding something inside of you.”
In addition to the stars of the big screen, Joan Allen, Jane Kaczmarek and William H. Macy, the cast also included Paul Walker, who died in November 2013, JT Walsh, who died in 1998, and Don Knotts, who last appeared on the big screen in 1998. Pleasantville Before his death in 2006.
Catch up with some of the film’s stars then and now, here on the film’s milestone anniversary.
Reese Witherspoon as Jennifer
Courtesy of the Everett Collection; Getty
Witherspoon was a fast-rising star when she joined the cast. Pleasant Village, She plays Jennifer, the perfect ’90s teenager who ends up on TV with her brother David, thanks to a mystical TV repairman played by Don Knotts.
In the years that followed, Witherspoon became one of Hollywood’s top actresses, moving on to other teen favorites: cruel intentions And Vote Before wearing Elle Woods’ pink shoes legal blonde franchise In 2006, she won an Oscar for her role as June Carter in the biopic of Johnny Cash. Walking the line.
The mother of three (she shares son Deacon and daughter Ava with ex Ryan Phillippe and son Tennessee with ex Jim Toth) now has her own production company, Hello Sunshine, and earned a 2022 Emmy nomination for her work on the film. Morning Show.
Tobey Maguire as David
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Like Witherspoon, Maguire had a string of teen hits to her name before portraying her brother David. Pleasantville.
In the years since, he has become famous for spinning Spider-Man’s webs in the early 2000s version of the series, and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in the 2010s. Siblings.
Maguire, who has two children with ex Jennifer Meyer, has since appeared in several critically acclaimed films. Cider House Rules, Seabiscuit And Babylon.
Jeff Daniels as Bill Johnson
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Daniels’ resume was much earlier Pleasant Village, with highlights like arachnophobia, Gettysburg And Dumb and Dumber It takes its name from his work in the 80s and 90s.
In this film, he alternately played soda fountain shop owner Bill Johnson, who is in love with Jennifer and David’s mother, Betty. Pleasantville World.
After the film, he continued his work on the big screen and was nominated for a Golden Globe in 2006. Squid and Whale. He recently received praise for his work on the HBO drama. newsroom and Netflix limited series godless, one Emmy point for each.
He has three adult children with his wife, Kathleen.
Joan Allen as Betty
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Allen was earning consecutive Oscar nominations in 1996 Nixon and 1997’s Pot When she took on the role of Betty, Jennifer and David’s mother. Pleasantville.
It went to favorites including Notebook And Bourne’s Legacy as well as continuing his work on stage. He has recently appeared in the following TV series: Family And Lisey’s Story. In total, he has two Tony Award nominations, three Emmy nominations, and three Academy Award nominations.
Allen has an adult daughter with ex Peter Friedman.
William H. Macy as George
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As Jennifer and David’s father, Macy has seen the harsher realities of changes in the family. Pleasantville He was brought back to his family.
Before the film, Macy had been acting since the 1970s, most notably winning an Oscar for her role in 1997. Fargo. He was nominated for an Emmy 15 times thanks to his guest roles. emergency room And Sports Night and his acclaimed role as Frank Gallagher Shameless.
Macy and his wife, Felicity Huffman, have two daughters.